Scoliosis Specialist

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine that causes a typically vertical line of the spine to bend laterally. When you view a person with a healthy spine from the front or back, the spine will appear straight. However, a person with scoliosis will have a spine that appears curved.

What causes scoliosis?

Up to 3% of Americans at age 16 have scoliosis. There are many different types and causes of scoliosis, including:

• Congenital scoliosis – The result of a bone abnormality present at birth.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis – Caused by abnormal muscles or nerves. People with spina bifida or cerebral palsy typically have this type of scoliosis.
• Degenerative scoliosis - Resulting from injury or illness, bone collapse, back surgery, or osteoporosis.
• Idiopathic scoliosis – This is the most common type of scoliosis but there's no specific identifiable cause. There's substantial evidence that idiopathic scoliosis is inherited.

How does Dr. Ford diagnose patients with scoliosis?

Most scoliosis curves are initially detected on school screening exams. Some clues that a child may have scoliosis include uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven waist, or leaning to one side. Dr. Ford offers spinal screenings that can help reveal important health information, unlocking the door to improved health and well-being. A thorough bone exam and an x-ray are used to diagnose the type of scoliosis, and to evaluate the magnitude of the curve. Children with mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. If you’re suffering from scoliosis, call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Ford at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center. The practice is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most major forms of insurance. Stop living in pain and get the treatment you deserve at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness.